The Clothes Book

In familiar DK style, this chunky board book features photos of children whose clothes have a real zip, button, bow etc. inserted, purporting to provide a training ground in manipulation for the ambitious toddler. 'Teaches how to fasten clothes' claims the publisher - but I have always found clothes themselves quite adequate in this regard, and any self-respecting tot would rather practise on mum's purse, brother's rucksack or any handy lunch box anyway... The cardboard teddy to fit into a pocket (very popular with my 18-month-old) got bent easily; the cordpull on the chunky zip frayed quickly; the cloth surrounding the button hole is stiff to use and has also frayed - 'real' clothes are more durable, too! Might be useful in a special needs context to bring variety to an often repeated activity. Otherwise, definitely a novelty.